By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Martin Westview was the final stop this season for Union City High School cross country runners Bailey Wagoner and Rushdon Howell.
Wagoner placed 21st out of 117 girl participants and Howell was 66th among 140 boys in the Region 7A-AA meet Tuesday.
Wagoner, a junior who had qualified for the state meet the past two years and medaled in most races for UC this season, had another solid performance with a time of 22:52. Howell, a freshman who showed marked improvement with every race in his first varsity season, posted a personal-best time of 20:11.
Sophomore Kennedi Robinson did not compete in the event due to an injury.
“Even though today was the end of the line for our runners, we had a great season, and you just can’t be disappointed in kids who give it their all when they take off from that starting line,” UC coach Ashley Martin said. “The good news is that we had no seniors. Everyone will be back to compete next season, and we’ll look to add some promising 8th graders to the team next season.
“I’m really proud of our kids, and I can’t wait to watch them compete this spring in track.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL
UC 41, Three Oaks 15 (G)
UC 53, Three Oaks 36 (B)
The Union City boys – despite missing a handful of players due to sickness — bounced back from a season-opening loss with a convincing win in Dyer County.
The Tornadoes were firmly in control from the outset, taking a 13-5 lead after one quarter and then doubling up the host club, 24-12 at the half. It was 42-25 with three periods in the book.
Zak Summers (16) and DJ Evans (14) combined for 30 points to pace the Twisters. Summers sank four 3-pointers – all in the first half. Rodney Jenkins was just a point away from double figures with nine.
The UC girls won for the second time in as many nights with a convincing 41-15 triumph in Game 1.
Sh’Nyla Moss matched her Opening Night scoring total with a game-high 21 markers to pace the Purple and Gold. Alli McMillan and Blair McKinnis added six points apiece, with McMillan hitting a pair of triples.
It was 14-2 after one and 30-7 at halftime before the Lady Tornadoes cruised after intermission.
Union City will play its third game in four nights to cap a busy first week of the season when it visits South Gibson Thursday.